City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Malmö vs Lisbon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Malmö
Moderate
COL+Rent: 35.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Malmö.
Lisbon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lisbon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Malmö | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $754 | $892 | $138 |
| Groceries | $291 | $208 | +$83 |
| Dining Out | $174 | $135 | +$39 |
| Transportation | $79 | $34 | +$45 |
| Utilities | $88 | $98 | $10 |
| Other / Misc | $114 | $133 | $19 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Malmö
$1,500
per month
Lisbon equivalent
$1,872
per month
You'd need $1,872/mo in Lisbon to match $1,500/mo in Malmö.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Malmö on $1,500/month?
Living in Malmö on $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$754 to rent, $291 to groceries, $174 to dining.
Can I live in Lisbon on $1,500/month?
In Lisbon, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $892 rent, $208 groceries, $135 dining.
Is Malmö or Lisbon cheaper?
Malmö is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Malmö 35.1 vs Lisbon 43.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Malmö worth in Lisbon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Malmö equals ~$1,872/mo in Lisbon using COL adjustment.